ESP
Since 1975
ESP (Electric Sound Products) was founded in 1975 by Hisatake Shibuya in Tokyo, Japan. Starting as a manufacturer of high-quality replacement parts, ESP evolved into one of the most respected guitar brands in heavy metal and hard rock. The company introduced the LTD series in 1995 to offer more accessible versions of their high-end Japanese instruments. Today, ESP guitars are the weapon of choice for legendary metal artists including Metallica's James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett, making them synonymous with aggressive, high-performance playing.
51
Years in Business
3M+
Guitars Sold
$200M+
Annual Revenue
Complete ESP Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about ESP guitars.
ESP Price Overview
ESP covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$720
+6% vs last year
eBay Listings
3,200
Active listings
Sold This Month
1,850
+10% vs last month
Price Range
$150-$8,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
ESP Timeline
Company Founded
Hisatake Shibuya established Electric Sound Products (ESP) in Tokyo, Japan, initially focusing on high-quality replacement parts for guitars.
U.S. Market Entry
ESP expanded into the U.S. market, supplying replacement parts and beginning to craft custom instruments for New York artists.
First Signature Model
George Lynch of Dokken discovered ESP in Tokyo, leading to the creation of the iconic Kamikaze model, ESP's first signature guitar.
Metallica Partnership
Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield began their long-standing relationship with ESP, leading to some of metal's most iconic signature models.
U.S. Headquarters
ESP established its first U.S. headquarters in New York City, marking significant international expansion.
Los Angeles Move
U.S. headquarters relocated to Los Angeles, California, positioning ESP closer to the heart of the American music industry.
LTD Series Launch
ESP introduced the LTD series, offering more affordable versions of their high-end guitars to a broader audience.
Signature Series Expansion
Major expansion of signature artist models, including instruments for members of Slayer, Anthrax, and other thrash metal pioneers.
Edwards Line Introduction
ESP introduced the Edwards line as a Japan-only mid-tier option between LTD and ESP Standard series.
E-II Series & USA Factory
ESP launched the E-II series replacing the Standard line, and opened the first USA factory in North Hollywood, California.
50th Anniversary Preparation
ESP expanded product lines and signature artist roster in preparation for their 50th anniversary milestone.
50th Anniversary
ESP celebrates 50 years of innovation in guitar manufacturing with special anniversary models and limited editions.
Complete ESP Product Lineup
ESP delivers uncompromising metal performance from affordable LTD workhorses to handcrafted Japanese masterpieces
Electric Guitar Body Shapes
Iconic body designs for every metal subgenre
Single-cutaway LP-style with thinner body and belly cut
Double-cutaway superstrat with carved top and neck-through
Classic superstrat with flat top for pure shred performance
Hybrid M and Horizon elements with carved arched top
Asymmetrical SG-inspired design with offset body
Unique offset body with neck-through construction
Aggressive V-shaped body for maximum stage presence
James Hetfield's signature angular body shape
Electric Basses
High-output basses for heavy music
Versatile modern bass for all genres
Streamlined design with powerful output
Ergonomic offset body for comfort and tone
Classic P/J style with ESP performance
Product Series Tiers
From entry-level to Custom Shop masterpieces
Entry-level at $150-$300 for beginners
Budget-friendly quality at $300-$500
Excellent value intermediate tier at $400-$700
Professional features with EMG pickups at $700-$900
Premium LTD with set-thru neck at $850-$1,400
Japan-made professional quality at $2,000-$3,500
American-made premium instruments at $4,000-$6,000
Handcrafted masterpieces at $5,000-$8,000+
"ESP delivers uncompromising metal performance from affordable LTD workhorses to handcrafted Japanese masterpieces"
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
Eclipse Buying Guide
Scale Length
24.75" scale provides warmer, fatter tone ideal for rhythm playing; slightly easier string bending than 25.5" models
Pickup Options
EMG 81/60 for high-gain clarity; Seymour Duncan Sentient/Pegasus for versatile modern metal; Fishman Fluence for tone-switching flexibility
Body Thickness
ESP Eclipse has thinner body with belly cut vs. traditional LP thickness; reduces weight while maintaining tone
Horizon/M-II Buying Guide
Neck Construction
Neck-through for maximum sustain and upper fret access; bolt-on available in lower tiers for snappier attack
Bridge Selection
Floyd Rose Original on E-II/ESP for dive bombs; Floyd Rose 1000 on LTD Deluxe; EverTune for perfect intonation
Fretboard Radius
Compound 12"-16" radius for comfortable chording and fast soloing; flatter radius at higher frets prevents fretting out
Signature Model Buying Guide
Artist Spec Accuracy
LTD signatures approximate artist specs; E-II closer to actual touring instruments; ESP Original matches exact artist builds
Investment Value
Limited editions and discontinued signatures appreciate; standard production models hold steady value; documentation increases resale
Pickup Authenticity
Higher-tier signatures include actual artist-spec pickups (EMG Bone Breaker, Het Set); LTD versions use standard EMG or ESP designs